The Norfolk gerygone is a species of bird in the family Acanthizidae. It is endemic to Norfolk Island.
Region
Southwest Pacific
Typical Environment
This species is confined to native and mixed forests on Norfolk Island, especially areas with Norfolk Island pine and other native broadleaf trees. It forages mainly in the mid to upper canopy, also using forest edges, regenerating scrub, and well-vegetated gardens. Nesting often occurs in sheltered sites within dense foliage where a domed nest can be suspended. Degraded habitats with sufficient shrub and sapling structure may still be used, but high-quality native forest supports the highest densities.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 320 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Norfolk gerygone is a tiny forest songbird restricted to Norfolk Island, making it highly vulnerable to habitat loss and introduced predators. It builds a neat domed nest with a side entrance, typically suspended from slender branches. Its high, tinkling song carries well through the mid-canopy. Ongoing predator control and habitat restoration are important for its persistence.
Temperament
active and agile
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent flitting
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, moving methodically through foliage. Pairs hold territories during the breeding season and build a domed, pendant nest with a side entrance. Both adults feed the young, and fledglings may accompany parents for a time after leaving the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high, tinkling series of sweet, thin notes and trills, often delivered in short phrases. Males sing persistently from mid-canopy perches during the breeding season, with soft contact calls used while foraging.
Plumage
Soft, plain upperparts with olive-brown to gray-brown tones and paler, grayish-white underparts with a light buff wash on the flanks. The throat is whitish, and the face shows a subtle pale eyering and lores. Wings and tail are dusky with faint, diffuse edging.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and spiders, gleaned carefully from leaves, twigs, and bark. It occasionally sallies a short distance to snatch tiny flying insects. Prey includes caterpillars, beetles, and other soft-bodied arthropods found in the canopy and subcanopy.
Preferred Environment
Forages in native forest and well-vegetated areas, favoring the mid to upper canopy. Also uses forest edges and dense gardens where insect prey is abundant and foliage cover is good.
